Seaham High School, located in County Durham, underwent its first inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023, since becoming an academy in September 2020. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good, with consistent ratings of good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school has established a safe and supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable expressing themselves. Students reported strong relationships with staff, highlighting the availability of trusted adults for guidance and support. The school promotes a culture of tolerance and respect, with a low incidence of bullying, which is addressed promptly when it occurs.
Teachers at Seaham High School maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, and many students meet these expectations. Form teachers play an active role in ensuring that students are prepared for learning each day. The school provides tailored support for pupils who require additional assistance in meeting behavior standards, ensuring that all students are closely monitored and supported. The school offers numerous opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents, with extracurricular activities such as rehearsals for the school musical fostering a sense of pride among participants.
The curriculum at Seaham High School has been carefully designed, allowing pupils to study a range of qualifications, including technical options alongside traditional GCSEs. Pupils receive appropriate guidance when selecting their key stage four programs, and there has been an increase in the number of students pursuing the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects. At key stage three, the majority of pupils engage with a curriculum aligned with national standards, while a small number follow a modified pathway to receive additional support in literacy and numeracy.
Leaders have prioritized curriculum development, providing staff with training to ensure that subject curriculums are well-structured and allow for the revisiting of essential knowledge. However, there remains some variability in outcomes across different subjects, with creative arts and vocational qualifications currently outperforming core and EBacc subjects. Improvements in teaching and curriculum in core subjects have led to enhanced pupil knowledge retention and understanding.
The school has seen a significant increase in the number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders have effectively responded to these needs, ensuring that staff provide appropriate support during lessons. Pupils with SEND have access to safe and sensory-rich spaces, and communication with parents regarding support measures is prioritized. While some support for reading skills is in place, the range of interventions is currently limited, and more needs to be done to ensure that all pupils, particularly older weaker readers, receive the necessary assistance to catch up.
Seaham High School has implemented a comprehensive personal, health, and social development program, equipping pupils with knowledge about healthy relationships and online safety. The majority of staff feel supported by school leaders, who have a clear vision for the school's strengths and areas for improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded within the school. Staff receive regular training, and there are clear systems for reporting concerns, ensuring that pupils' safety and well-being are prioritized.
To improve further, leaders need to enhance the support available for pupils struggling with reading to ensure they can catch up with their peers. Additionally, there is a need for a more consistent approach to curriculum sequencing across subjects to strengthen pupils' understanding of key concepts and facilitate knowledge retention over time. Overall, Seaham High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
